Bioautomation (Dec 2009)
Influence of Polymer Substratum onto Arthobacter Oxydans 1388 Biofilm Formation
Abstract
Microorganisms attach to surfaces and develop biofilms. Biofilm-associated cells can be differentiated from their suspended counterparts by generation of an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, reduced growth rates, and the up- and down- regulation of specific genes. Attachment is a complex process regulated by diverse characteristics of the growth medium, substratum, and cell surface. Biofilms have great importance for public health because of their role in certain infectious diseases and importance in a variety of device-related infections. Biofilms are composed primarily of microbial cells and EPS. EPS may account for 50% to 90% of the total organic carbon of biofilms and can be considered the primary matrix material of the biofilm. EPS may vary in chemical and physical properties, but it is primarily composed of polysaccharides. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are biopolymers of microbial origin in which biofilm microorganisms are embedded. Exopolysaccharides and proteins are one of the main factors in biofilm formation, evidence for microenviromental changes of microbial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the formation, growth and biofilm characteristics from strain Arthrobacter oxydans 1388 onto different kinds of polymer matrixes and biochemical research of EPS production. It was compared three different kinds of polymer matrixes and their influence onto biofilm formation. Matrixes were obtained on the base of copolymer of acrylonitrile with acrylamide and mixed with cellulose acetate butyrate. In this case they were with high mechanical stability. The obtained results demonstrated that the most appropriate carrier for biofilm formation is the polymer matrix on the base of copolymer of acrylonitrile with acrylamide and mixed with cellulose acetate butyrate.
